Location
  • Japan
    • Tokyo
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Accounting Art History Asian Studies Biology Computer Science Cultural Studies Education Geography History Humanities International Business Journalism Liberal Arts Marketing Mathematics Psychology Sociology +7
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Dormitory Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE! Our high-quality programs include tuition, housing, on-site airport pick-up, field trips and cultural activities, 24/7 on-site professional staff, and automatic iNext insurance. There are no hidden charges or surprises when you arrive, and scholarships opportunities are available!
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance
Jul 14, 2022
Aug 02, 2023
20 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Japan’s bustling capital city is renowned for its nightlife, shopping, public transportation, and cleanliness. Perhaps because of its mix of ultramodern and traditional, Tokyo also earns high marks for being a wonderful place for university students.

With a population of more than 13 million people, it’s crowded, but it’s also super clean and safe. See how limited space has been maximized in ingenious ways and enjoy an astounding variety of shopping options and entertainment.

Courses are available in English and Japanese.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • CIEE Tokyo is conveniently located within the central Yotsuya campus of Sophia University, within minutes commute to the vibrant Shinjuku and Ginza districts in Tokyo.
  • Visit the Peace Museum and Miyajima Island, where students learn about the effects of World War II and its impact on the local population and environment.
  • Visit Inuyama Castle, which is one of Japan’s oldest castles, preserved in its original state, and partake in one of the most popular local cultural festivals in the Aichi Prefecture.
  • Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer.

Popular Programs

CIEE Tokyo Summer Programs

Tokyo is known for its outstanding modern and avant-garde features but peppered throughout this mega-metropolis are hotspots of Japanese culture and tradition. Dive into Japanese culture this summer through CIEE activities and excursions to enhance your educational experience.

CIEE Tokyo Semester Program

Students take their arts and sciences studies a step further in a city that radiates light and energy. The prestigious Sophia University hosts coursework in English on anthropology, art history, cultural studies, history, international business and economics, linguistics, literature, political science, and religion and philosophy.

Scholarships

CIEE

CIEE Scholarships and Grants

CIEE’s need-based grants offer support to students who face financial barriers to studying abroad. CIEE awards need-based grants based on students’ EFCs and program selection. The Gilman Go Global Grant offers students $750-$2,000 toward airfare, plus $2,500 toward semester program costs, or $1,000 toward summer program costs.

Value
$500 - $2,500

Program Reviews

4.82 Rating
based on 17 reviews
  • 5 rating 82.35%
  • 4 rating 17.65%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.85
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.85
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 17 reviews
Default avatar
Brenda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer Japanese Studies 2023

Overall my experience with this program was great! It would have been nice to have better communication from CIEE staff prior to program but once in Japan I felt I didn't need that much because you have total freedom and there were not many instances for me personally where I felt I needed to reach out.
My time in Japan was amazing, I was able to explore so much of Tokyo and visit other parts of Japan like Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka and Kamakura. Made so many amazing friends and it was fun to experience Japan with them. I was sad to leave at the end of the 6 weeks and had so much more I wanted to do but its a great way to spend more time in Japan than you would on an ordinary trip. Japan is such an incredible country and I would recommend this to anyone who has any interest in Japan.

Pros
  • Co-curriculars in class were fun and informative
  • Program activities were fun
Cons
  • Lack of common spaces
  • Lack of interaction with locals
Default avatar
Josip
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship in Japan

Living and working in Japan is a fantastic experience, and I'd encourage anyone even marginally interested in the culture to go. The length of time that you're there really lets you experience the culture more in the way that a local would as opposed to a tourist, which is a lot of fun. The hotel we stayed in was decent, the rooms were a bit small but you get used to it. My experience with the company I was interning for was great, the supervisors and people worked with me to help me learn and get my work done, all in all a fantastic experience. Would recommend.

Pros
  • Work Experience
  • Food
  • It's Japan
Cons
  • Hotel room size
  • Not a lot of group activities
19 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Connor
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Summer Abroad

My experience with the CIEE program is still ongoing, but so far it's pretty great! I'm a little more than halfway through the trip and I have already seen so many new things and been around to lots of places. On my very first full day in Tokyo, I made friends in the program and the four of us decided to go to a capybara cafe, which was easy to navigate to using the subway system and the overall walkability of Tokyo. The locals are super nice and helpful, especially around the school buildings and hotel. I can't wait to keep exploring and I would highly recommend this experience!

Pros
  • Made some friends
  • Learned a little of the language
  • Gained a new global perspective
Cons
  • Long orientation
  • Academics are lecture based
  • Didn't show us around during orientation but we figured it out for ourselves
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jared
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A fantastic way to get outside your comfort zone!

Coming to Japan had always been a dream of mine. Getting the opportunity to live out my dream with a safe and supportive community is a great way to truly get a feel for the country. The CIEE program is an excellent program for anyone that is hesitant about taking that first step outside their comfort zone. My advice for anyone is that you’ll never truly live if you can’t take the first step into the unknown, and CIEE will be there to help you every step of the way. Now go out there and have fun.

Pros
  • Supportive staff
  • Fun events
  • Safe and highly skilled school
Cons
  • Getting out of your comfort zone
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Daniel
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE semester at Sophia University was great!

I did a semester abroad at Sophia Uni. in Tokyo with CIEE, and overall it was a great experience. The program provided many opportunities to travel around Tokyo with a group, and travel to destinations across Japan like Hiroshima, which other programs I've been on didn't do. Something CIEE did very well was reimburse students for cultural activities throughout the semester, and the staff did a great job keeping students informed on what activities were available and what complimentary tickets for exhibits and attractions they had on hand, which were plenty. Also, I liked the opportunity to write blog posts for CIEE and be paid for it, definitely helps to have more spending money while abroad. The staff were helpful when I had emergencies, and were always available when I had questions or concerns.

What would you improve about this program?
My only concern was that my housing situation caused me health problems due to mold exposure, so I'd recommend that CIEE be more thorough with their inspections of potential host family and dorm housing to ensure safety.
112 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rosalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Japan Abroad 2019

Japan is the first country I've traveled to and it's a big step from Minnesota. I did a homestay and I had actually started this adventure with a close friend and roommate. Things didnt work out and suddenly I was alone and far away from home. But staff at CIEE were right there beside me to help me put my happiness above all else and make the most of my time abroad. CIEE is more than just a program, it's a collective group of people who want the best for you and have gone through similar situations. My advice to those planning on travelling abroad is to lean on the support you're given with CIEE. Dont be shy to ask for help or just someone to talk or have ice cream with. Also, dont isolate yourself. Get to know some people in the program, your classes, around your living rooms. Have fun and let loose.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I lost my key to my homestay and it was nerve wracking letting the family know. I overcame it with the aid the CIEE staff member, Hazuki, who taught me how to politely apologize and helped me get a new key made.
98 people found this review helpful.
Selfie taken when my host family took me skiiing (I was terrible)
Ivy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lifelong Memories

I'm not sugar coating anything when I say that I had the best time of my life here and would recommend it to a stranger, walking down the street, not even asking me, not caring in one single bit, that they should go to Japan. I've met lifelong friends that I cherish with every part of my life, and memories that will make me weep once I go back and no longer get to be in Tokyo. I will say a few things that might make you think twice about going: 1. No car, the trains are busy, but that can also make it fun. 2. There is only one Mexican place I'd actually recommend and that's "Chiles". Please go, the cook is Cuban, and will adore you if you speak in Spanish. 3. If you look a little different, you get stared at. It sucks, but have fun with it. You're a gaijin, might as well have a lot of fun with it. 4. Thrift stores just get old-fashion looking clothes and double the price. 5. They pickle everything you can imagine but they don't have actual dill or sour PICKLES.

I had a great time with the program, the trip to Hiroshima was one of the most rewarding, though bittersweet, of course. I stayed with a host family throughout the duration of my time in Japan, and I absolutely love them as if they are my own family. It was big with three children, and it wasn't abnormal for the kids to break out in song at any point in time (those were the best though - you'll never get serenaded more than in the Ito house). I don't think anyone wouldn't be able to have a very memorable time.

What would you improve about this program?
It's kind of frustrating about the schedule and how you can't see the courses. But, that's a Sophia problem not a CIEE one. Also, pickles.
106 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Betty
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A little bit of everything

This program offers a lot of fun events that really made things fun and the orientation in the beginning really helped to make friends with the others in the program. There's amazing support from the on-site staff that I would say it's a lifesaver. I got to go to various places and experiences various things like sushi making, washi making, and attending a philharmonic orchestra performance for free because of this program. I also really appreciate the transportation reimbursements they do for their events and they also offer cultural reimbursement for things you do on your own. I've met some really amazing people through this program and the director of the program also gave me some advice when I asked about career paths,etc. It's definitely worth picking this program if you want to be in Tokyo.

What would you improve about this program?
I think some things like the housing application/match-up could be done better but to be honest, it's a great program that's well put together.
97 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Yes it does! You can see the pricing options for yearlong programs here: